Is it the end of free lunch?
From our weekly issue dated February 11, 2009
“Harvest Kitchen, a free lunch program, might close unless a new coordinator is found,” says Linda Butler, who is retiring after eight years as coordinator.
“I am ready to move on. I want to spend more time working with youth,” she continues. Butler volunteers with the SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) program at Evergreen Elementary School in her spare time.
The Harvest Kitchen opened in 1994 and now serves up to 85 people a day, “and these are not just the “street people.”
“We have a lot of people in need, many who come in at the end of the month because they have run out of money,” says Butler.
During 2008, the Harvest Kitchen served nearly 4,700 meals, and a couple of years ago more than 6,000 meals were served.
The kitchen receives no government support; it survives on donations. Several churches have food baskets or contribute monthly. Curves holds a food drive, and Sterling Savings Bank has a drop box. In the summer, gardeners bring in extra produce.
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“It is very rewarding to have the support of our community, and their efforts really are appreciated,” states Butler.
There is a small stipend for the coordinator, which covers expenses, but basically it is a “Labor of Love.” Training will be provided. Anyone interested in the coordinator position or volunteering at the Harvest Kitchen should phone Butler at 597-4383.
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